Tom Bradshaw elected new NFU president

The elections took place at the NFU Conference in Birmingham on February 21

Alex Black
clock • 3 min read
The new NFU leadership team. NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos, NFU president Tom Bradshaw and NFU deputy-president David Exwood
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The new NFU leadership team. NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos, NFU president Tom Bradshaw and NFU deputy-president David Exwood

Tom Bradshaw has been elected the new president of the NFU following the vote at NFU Conference today (February 21).

Mr Bradshaw had stood unopposed for the position after Minette Batters stood down.

David Exwood has been selected as the new deputy president of the NFU.

The role of vice-president is also up for grabs at the election.

See also: LIVE UPDATES from NFU Conference

After being confirmed as a candidate, Mr Bradshaw said he would be 'honoured' to lead the union which has over 46,000 farmers and growers across England and Wales.

Mr Bradshaw, who is an arable farmer from Essex, has been a part of the NFU officeholder team for four years, having held both the vice-president and deputy-president positions previously.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: "It is a deep honour to be elected President of the NFU and the 46,000 members we represent will be my absolute focus as I lead this superb organisation.

"Profitable production, and the stability and clarity which allows NFU members to plan for and reinvest in their farming and growing businesses will always be my priority. 

"This sits at the heart of delivering sustainable, high-quality and high-welfare food for our country.

"In the run up to the general election we have the overwhelming support of the public and all political parties must put a plan in place for home-grown food.

"I also want to focus on forging ever-closer connections with NFU members on the ground.

"My message to our membership is simple: this is your organisation.

"We need to hear your views and we need your input. United we are a powerful voice.

"I would also like, on behalf of all NFU members, and I suspect, the public, to thank our outgoing president Minette Batters, for her years of dedication to the NFU, service which has led to outstanding successes.

"We are in a challenging time for agriculture in England and Wales, but it is also a time of great opportunity, and the NFU will be at the heart of delivering results for our members."

NFU deputy-president David Exwood added: "I have been proud to represent the British farming industry over the past two years as vice-president and I am looking forward to building on this work as deputy-president.

"I would like to thank Minette Batters for everything she has done for the organisation and congratulate Tom and Rachel on their new officeholder roles.

"With a general election on the horizon, the next two years are key for the future of British agriculture as we continue the transition from direct payments.

"In an uncertain business environment, it is essential that farmers are recognised by all political parties for the climate-friendly food they produce, economic contribution they make to rural communities and their role as caretakers of the countryside."

NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said she was 'incredibly proud and grateful' to have the opportunity to represent Britain's farmers as part of the NFU's leadership team.

"As farmers are on the front line of climate change it is essential that profitability is built back into the sector, so we are able to invest in resilient businesses that are able to continue producing nutritious food for the nation," Ms Hallos added.

"I look forward to working with Tom and David over the next two years to navigate the industry through times of much change."

Tributes

Tributes were paid to Ms Batters at the conference, as the first woman to hold the role, receiving multiple standing ovations as she gave her final speeches to conference.

During her speech, she urged political parties to formulate a plan to deliver for farming and food production, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak amongst those listening to her talk.

See also: NFU Conference: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outlines support measures... but there is no more money

Ms Batters was elected as the first woman in the role in 2018.

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